Industry Takeover 2026 - All Dayer at Rich Mix #IT2026

Industry Takeover 2026 is back - supporting the talent of tomorrow, from the underground up.

Co-curated by UD's community of artists, creatives and industry partners, #IT2026 is the all-day event that puts emerging music talent in the same room as the people shaping the industry — and gives them the tools to build a career on their own terms.

1 day. 15+ events. 7 rooms. 100+ speakers.

This inspirational all-day event, co-curated by UD’s community of aspiring artists, creatives and industry partners, equips music and professional talent with the tools they need to navigate and build alliances within the music business.

From the underground up, Industry Takeover All Dayer will include:

• Keynotes from the curators, label heads and culture-shapers defining what comes next
• The "How To Steal My Job" panel industry insiders break down how they got in, and how you can too
• A&R masterclasses pitch your work, get real feedback, meet the people who sign artists
• One-to-one Meet the Expert surgeries - book time with managers, lawyers, publishers, agents and more. Exclusive to VIP ticket holders
• Creative workshops on vocal skill building, content, mixing, visual identity, and building a sustainable career
• Live music across the day from artists on the rise
• Networking built into the schedule - not bolted on

Featured speakers include:

Jacqueline Springer (V&A East), Elijah, Jude Yawson (TRENCH), DJ Limelight, Rude Kid, Lunick Bourgess, Jade Style, DJ Target, Ngozi Diamond, Mel Ijeh + 90 more across the day.

Where the UK music industry’s a-list and cutting-edge underground talent collide, the music industry revolution is here: are you ready to takeover?

Who it's for

Whether you're a new artist trying to figure out the first move, a creative wondering how to turn skill into income, a student about to graduate into the industry, or a returning attendee who came in 2024 and knows exactly why you're back - this is built for you.

First time? You'll fit right in. The whole point is to make the industry feel less closed.

Info: In this keynote lecture, Jacqueline Springer, Curator, Africa & Diaspora: Performance at the Victoria & Albert museum, shares the vision and process behind shaping V&A East museum’s The Music is Black: A British Story. Drawing on her work around Black British culture and musical heritage, she explores what it means to research, select and present narratives — and the responsibility that comes with it. Powered by V&A East, this session offers insight into the craft of curation and the journey of bringing an exhibition to life.

Info: Join Cat Couture, a self-taught British multidisciplinary artist, who will lead this workshop on Creating Original Content Concepts. You’ll learn:

How to stand out from the crowd with original content

Developing and executing your own unique visual world

Showing up authentically and effortlessly whilst allowing your artistry to be at the forefront

Allowing your own pace and capacity levels (mental health) to be considered and honoured throughout the process.

Info: Ever considered a career in the music industry? Unsure of the jobs available to you? UD’s How To Steal My Job panel invites key music industry players to break down their career journeys, opportunities and routes to success on your chosen employment path. Hosted by Maria Hanlon.

Info: In a world of algorithms, influencers and shrinking newsrooms, who really decides which artists cut through? Journalism in 2026 brings together voices at the forefront of music media to unpack how stories are chosen, scenes are shaped and hype is built. Powered by TRENCH, this conversation explores the evolving power dynamics between journalists, platforms and artists — and what it means for the future of music discovery.

Info: Step inside the world of A&R in this special masterclass. Discover how talent is spotted, how artists are developed, and what labels really look for when signing new acts. Packed with insights, stories, and practical advice, this session is perfect for artists, managers, and anyone interested in the business side of music. Hosted by Kat ‘Katalyssst’ Friar A&R Consultant (0207 Def Jam).

Info: Join acclaimed photographer Simon Wheatley (Don’t Call Me Urban!) for a thought-provoking workshop exploring how intimacy can be captured and conveyed through the lens. Through discussion, visual examples and practical exercises, Simon will unpack approaches to trust, proximity, vulnerability and storytelling in photography. Ideal for photographers of all levels, this session offers a rare opportunity to deepen your practice and reflect on the ethics and emotion behind powerful image-making.

Info: Strong scenes don’t happen by accident - they’re built with intention. Building Communities, powered by The Five Points Project, brings together grassroots leaders and culture shapers to explore how meaningful, sustainable communities are created around music and beyond. From local engagement to long-term impact, this session dives into the values, challenges and strategies behind building something that truly lasts.

Info: Hosted by Chris Cooke (CMU). Streams are easy - loyalty is earned. Beyond the Playlist dives into how artists can turn passive listeners into active, invested communities in 2026’s fast-moving music landscape. Powered by CMU, this session explores audience-building beyond algorithms, from direct-to-fan strategies and data insights to live experiences and meaningful engagement. A practical conversation about building fanbases that last longer than a viral moment.

Info: Join us for an exclusive UD Live Showcase, where you’re invited to experience the stars of tomorrow - today. Expect an electrifying lineup spanning R&B, soul, rap, jazz and everything in between, featuring standout talent selected from UD’s Emerging Artist Residencies, Writing Camps and Open Mic nights. This is your chance to discover the next wave of boundary-pushing artists as they step onto the stage and into their moment.

Info: Powered by Stemettes. As AI reshapes how music is made, shared and experienced, what does it mean for creativity, careers and cultural identity? Smart Tools, Hard Questions - powered by Stemettes - brings together technologists, artists and industry voices to explore the opportunities and challenges AI presents. From job disruption to artistic ownership, this forward-facing conversation asks not just what AI can do, but what it should do.

Info: Join us for a deep dive into the cultural intersections where British Asian creativity has helped shape and influence Black music scenes in the UK and beyond. An Exploration into British Asian Impact on Black Music, powered by Complex UK, brings together artists, producers and thinkers to unpack shared histories, collaborations and the exchange of sounds that have defined generations. A conversation celebrating influence, identity and the power of cultural fusion.

Info:

In this session Elijah breaks down his ‘Yellow Square’ design system: the 'Deep Feedback Loop' which explores creating ideas that help create more ideas. This is equally suitable for the artist as it is the entrepreneur or just the open minded and curious on artistic process. Significant time will be spent on Q&A and creating new connections for those in the room.

Info: CassKidd sits down with producer Kayah Hazell (BBC Introducing on 1Xtra) to explore how new artists can get their music heard - and what makes a BBC Introducing profile sparkle! They’re joined by Jade Style, 1Xtra’s Music Editor, who explains other routes to airplay, and artist Unxqly Dan shares how his career has developed and advice for success.

Info: Take your vocal productions to the next level in this practical session with engineer, songwriter and producer, Chris Layton. Introduction to Mixing Vocals breaks down the essentials - from EQ and compression to effects and creating space in the mix - giving you the tools to achieve clarity, depth and impact. Perfect for emerging producers and artists looking to sharpen their sound and build confidence behind the desk.

Info: Exclusive Masterclass for VIP ticket holders powered by Fontana and led by Charis Richards.

Info: Music has always been more than sound—it’s protest, memory and movement. Music as Activism, Archive & Legacy, powered by Hyperfrank, explores how artists and communities use music to challenge systems, document lived experience and shape cultural history. From grassroots resistance to preserving stories for future generations, this session examines the power of music to spark change and leave a lasting imprint.

Info: Are you getting the money you’re owed for your music? Get Played, Get Paid - powered by PPL - breaks down how performers and recording rightsholders earn royalties when their music is broadcast or played in public. Learn how the system works, how to register your recordings correctly, and how to make sure you never miss out on income. A must-attend session for artists, managers and independent labels looking to maximise their revenue.

Info: What does it really take to build a successful event in 2026? From concept and curation to budgeting, partnerships and audience growth, Building An Event: From the Ground Up unpacks the realities of bringing an idea to life. Powered by BORN N BREAD, this practical session shares insights from those doing it for real - offering honest lessons, creative strategies and the tools needed to turn vision into impact.

Info: Join us for an exclusive UD Live Showcase, where you’re invited to experience the stars of tomorrow - today. Expect an electrifying lineup spanning R&B, soul, rap, jazz and everything in between, featuring standout talent selected from UD’s Emerging Artist Residencies, Writing Camps and Open Mic nights. This is your chance to discover the next wave of boundary-pushing artists as they step onto the stage and into their moment.

Info: What happens when music, business and family collide? Basslines & Bloodlines sees Roony ‘Risky Roadz’ Keefe sits down in conversation with his family (Grime Gran, Beau the Beard and Plague Alero) for a powerful panel exploring legacy, entrepreneurship and building something that lasts. From grassroots hustle to generational impact, this session dives into culture, ownership and the realities of growing an enterprise rooted in both basslines and bloodlines.

Info: Got a creative project in mind but unsure how to fund it? In this workshop, funding consultant Hannah Mina will guide you through the process of writing successful grant applications for organisations like Arts Council England (ACE), PRS Foundation, Help Musicians, and more. You’ll learn how to budget effectively, pitch your vision clearly, and avoid common application mistakes.

With over £300,000 in successful applications under her belt, Hannah has worked with Youth Music, Saffron Music, the Roundhouse, A New Direction and HQI. Through her platform Funding with Mina, she’s made funding more accessible for creatives across the UK — now it’s your turn to benefit from her expertise.

Info: Did someone say reload it? Closing out the 2026 Industry Takeover on 12th June will be a grime cypher, powered by Rude Kid. Want to perform? Rude Kid will be spinning riddims for the MC’s and spitters – just bring your bars to Rich Mix and be performance ready. Hosted by Shelbee Tee.

Info: Curious about what it’s like to be a member of Flames Collective? Want to experience the joy of singing with a group? Join us for a dynamic taster vocal workshop led by Musical Director Andy Gilbert. Explore powerful harmonies, vocal technique, and the signature Flames sound in a relaxed, supportive setting. Whether you’re an experienced singer or just looking to build confidence, this session is the perfect way to experience the energy, creativity and community at the heart of Flames Collective. 

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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